Wing Shape Research Articles

The spatiotemporal richness of hummingbird wing deformations.

Animals exhibit an abundant diversity of forms, and this diversity is even more evident when considering animals that can change shape on demand. The evolution of flexibility contributes to aspects of performance from propulsive efficiency to environmental navigation. It is, however, challenging to quantify and compare body parts that, by their nature, dynamically vary in shape over many time scales. Commonly, body configurations are tracked by labelled markers and quantified parametrically through conventional measures of size and shape (descriptor approach) or non-parametrically through data-driven analyses that broadly capture spatiotemporal deformation patterns (shape variable approach). We developed a weightless marker tracking technique and combined these analytic approaches to study wing morphological flexibility in hoverfeeding Anna's hummingbirds (Calypte anna). Four shape variables explained >95% of typical stroke cycle wing shape variation and were broadly correlated with specific conventional descriptors such as wing twist and area. Moreover, shape variables decomposed wing deformations into pairs of in-plane and out-of-plane components at integer multiples of the stroke frequency. This property allowed us to identify spatiotemporal deformation profiles characteristic of hoverfeeding with experimentally imposed kinematic constraints, including through shape variables explaining <10% of typical shape variation. Hoverfeeding in front of a visual barrier restricted stroke amplitude and elicited increased stroke frequencies together with in-plane and out-of-plane deformations throughout the stroke cycle. Lifting submaximal loads increased stroke amplitudes at similar stroke frequencies together with prominent in-plane deformations during the upstroke and pronation. Our study highlights how spatially and temporally distinct changes in wing shape can contribute to agile fluidic locomotion.

Agronomic evaluation and adaptability of Pinot gris to an environment with high grey mould disease pressure: a comparative analysis on 17 clones

The grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivar Pinot gris is an international variety that has spread world wide and is oneof the most important in Italy, especially in the northern regions where almost half of the world's total is grown. Over a three-year period (2019–2021), a comparative study was conducted on 17 clones to evaluate their agronomic aptitudes, susceptibility of grapes to Botrytis cinerea, fertility of buds, vigour, and oenological characteristics. We aimed to provide local viticulture with agronomic, sanitary status, and oenological indications that help to choose the genotype that best fits and enhances the clone/environment synergy. This is important given climate change, one of the most significant factors affecting viticulture. Hence, productive, qualitative, and health surveys were conducted on grapes during harvest. Vigour and vegetative/productive balance were also evaluated regarding the weight of the pruned wood. The Ravaz index and fertility of buds were studied when the inflorescences were separated and clearly visible (between DOY 131 and DOY 141 each year). The confirmation of the bunch was also evaluated (shape and number of wings) according to the Organisation Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin (OIV) descriptors. Through the use of digital photogrammetry, some descriptors of the cluster that most correlate with the severity of Botrytis cinerea were identified. In 2020 and 2021, microvinifications were carried out in white and with maceration of skins, respectively, following tested protocols. Sensory analysis of the wines was performed with a trained panel of experts. The study revealed interesting differences between clones concerning grapes' qualitative, productive, and sanitary aspects. Some clones stood out for their sugar accumulation, yield and resistance to Botrytis cinerea, as well as for the oenological olfactory profile. Statistical analysis highlighted that the severity of Botrytis cinerea and bunch rot was not correlated with the vigour of the plant but rather with the hardness of skin, content of soluble solids, soluble solids/total acidity ratio, pH, and total acidity. From the sensory analysis, several clones had a higher score for some descriptors in both study years and were more appreciated than others.

Variety is the spice: The role of morphological variation of Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) at a macro-scale

Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909). One of the primary vectors of T. cruzi in South America is Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834). This triatomine species is distributed across a huge latitudinal gradient, inhabiting domiciliary , peridomiciliary , and wild environments. Its wide geographic distribution provides an excellent opportunity to study the relationships between environmental gradients and intraspecific morphological variation. In this study, we investigated variations in wing size and shape in T. infestans across six ecoregions. We aimed to address the following questions: How do wing size and shape vary on a regional scale, does morphological variation follow specific patterns along an environmental or latitudinal gradient, and what environmental factors might contribute to wing variation? Geometric morphometric methods were applied to the wings of 162 females belonging to 21 T. infestans populations, 13 from Argentina (n = 105), 5 from Bolivia (n = 42), and 3 from Paraguay (n = 15). A comparison of wing centroid size across the 21 populations showed significant differences. Canonical Variate Analysis (CVA) revealed significant differences in wing shape between the populations from Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay, although there was a considerable overlap, especially among the Argentinian populations. Well-structured populations were observed for the Bolivian and Paraguayan groups. Two analyses were performed to assess the association between wing size and shape, geographic and climatic variables: multiple linear regression analysis (MRA) for size and Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression for shape. The MRA showed a significant general model fit. Six temperature-related variables, one precipitation-related variable, and the latitude showed significant associations with wing size. The PLS analysis revealed a significant correlation between wing shape with latitude, longitude, temperature-related, and rainfall-related variables. Wing size and shape in T. infestans populations varied across geographic distribution. Our findings demonstrate that geographic and climatic variables significantly influence T. infestans wing morphology.

Data-driven hierarchical collaborative optimization method with multi-fidelity modeling for aerodynamic optimization

The aerodynamic optimization of aircraft based on evolutionary algorithms generally requires thousands or even tens of thousands of iterations. Moreover, it faces challenges such as high-dimensional design variables and high computational costs, leading to low efficiency in algorithm search and poor optimization results. In order to enhance the efficiency of aerodynamic optimization, a data-driven collaborative optimization and multi-fidelity hierarchical modeling method is proposed. Firstly, a Clustering-Enhanced Teaching-Learning-Based Optimization (CETLBO) algorithm is introduced to improve its exploration and exploitation capabilities. By employing a collaborative optimization strategy, a divide-and-conquer paradigm is utilized to efficiently solve high-dimensional, nonlinear, and complex engineering optimization problems. Secondly, a two-stage hierarchical aerodynamic optimization framework is designed to reduce computational costs by integrating data from different fidelity levels. Stage 1 adopts a data-driven approximate optimization method to provide prior knowledge for the high-fidelity optimization of stage 2. Finally, the proposed method is applied to the optimization design of supersonic wing shapes. Compared to traditional optimization design systems, it demonstrates high efficiency in high-dimensional aerodynamic optimization problems, yielding better optimization results.

Exploring the Influence of Wing Shape on the Aerodynamics of Gliders

The lift-to-drag ratio and the aerodynamic characteristics of the wing shape play an important role in the performance of the glider. Lift-drag ratio, as a key index of aircraft performance evaluation, is directly related to aircraft glide performance, fuel efficiency, and flight range. The selection and optimization of wing shape is also considered to be one of the main factors affecting the performance of gliders. However, despite the extensive research in the field of glider design, there are still some gaps in the understanding of the relationship between lift-drag ratio and wing shape. The traditional research is carried out in a specific situation, and the aerodynamic characteristics of different wing shapes are relatively short of systematic comparison and in-depth theoretical analysis. Therefore, this research focuses on the design and performance optimization of gliders, focusing on the lift-drag ratio and aerodynamic characteristics of wing shape. The tracker is used to collect the data of glider models with different wing shapes in the air, compare the performance of various shapes, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and make a comprehensive analysis. Important findings from this study not only provide practical guidance for glider design but also provide insight into the relationship between lift-drag ratio and wing shape research, this research encourages further exploration and expansion of this area to advance the development of glider technology. This research provides useful references for scientists, engineers, and designers in the field of aviation, leading to more advanced and efficient glider design and manufacture.

Aerodynamic Characterization of Glider Lift-to-drag Ratio and its Wing Shape

As a type of fixed-wing aircraft without power devices, gliders have important value in aviation measurement, cargo transportation, and other scenarios. This article studies the application of aerodynamics and fluid dynamics in gliders, but the wing shape of a glider is not sufficient to provide sufficient aerodynamic characteristics for the glider. Therefore, based on the basic theory of aerodynamics, this article studies the relationship between the lift-to-drag ratio of a glider and the aerodynamic characteristics of its wing shape in the aviation field, and changing the shape of the wings to alter the difference in air pressure between the upper and lower air during the glider's flight. Furthermore, the force exerted on the glider during flight is altered to maintain its altitude and flight time. Different airfoils to find out which one can make the glider fly farther, safer, and at higher altitudes were tested. Finally, based on this study, the conclusion drawn is that the double convex wing shape can provide higher overall efficiency and stability for gliders during flight, despite its high cost. This study provides important references for the study of aerodynamic efficiency and stability of gliders.

Research on Aerodynamic Characteristics of Gliders with Different Wing Shapes

In this research, the effects of different wing shapes on the lift-to-drag ratio and aerodynamic characteristics of gliders were analyzed. Traditional research has many limitations, such as experimental conditions - air flow speed and airflow stability, which may affect the stability of research results. Therefore, in this research, repeated experiments were used to eliminate chance, and numerical simulation was combined with computer simulation of the lift-to-drag ratio of gliders under different aspect ratios to verify the experimental results. The results show that with the increase in aspect ratio, the lift-drag ratio of the glider increases. A glider that has a greater wing aspect ratio can generate more lift force at the same given speed, reducing the descent speed and extending the glide distance, showing better aerodynamic characteristics. By studying the aspect ratio, the optimal wing shape and size for a specific aircraft can be determined to improve the lift and drag characteristics of the glider. This research has important guiding significance for glider design, which can improve the performance and efficiency of gliders.

Research on the Aerodynamic Characteristics of the Relationship between Lift-to-drag Ratio and Wing Shape of Gliders

A glider is a special type of aircraft without a power unit, which relies on the lift of airflow to resist weight. The characteristics of a glider are essential to its flight performance, which includes aspect ratio, sweepback, and taper ratio. Proper design of the wing shape can help achieve good performance, so research on these elements can be helpful. This paper aims to calculate the relationship between the aspect ratio and lift-drag coefficient which affects the performance of gliders. By calculation, this paper found out that high aspect ratio aircraft could generate more lift force and was optimum in designing gliders. Then an experiment with a paper plane was designed to show the impact of aspect ratio on glider performance. Then a paper airplane experiment was designed, and the changes in different aspect ratios were achieved by reshaping the wings of the paper airplane, while flight performance was estimated by the lift drag coefficient and descent angle of the glider. After data collection, calculation and analysis, different flight routes were recorded, and based on this, the lift drag coefficient and descent angle were calculated. The experimental results indicate that aspect ratio is one but not the only factor affecting the flight performance of gliders. Through theoretical analysis and experiments, this study verifies the basic mechanism of the influence of wing shape, especially aspect ratio, on glider flight, providing new ideas for improving glider performance.

Design of Glider Wing Shape and Research on its Aerodynamic Characteristics

The glider is a type of aircraft without a power device, which relies on airflow to obtain forward power and has important application value in environmental detection, rescue, and other scenarios. The wing shape of a glider is one of the biggest factors affecting its gliding performance. However, the quantitative mechanism by which specific airfoil parameters affect gliding performance is still unclear. This paper dives into the field of aerodynamics and analyzes which airfoil performs the best in realistic situations. Unlike traditional methods in which the only way to analyze such a foil is through rigorous testing in a wind tube, this paper uses two ways, both through simulation and idealized calculation to determine the best airfoil. The results demonstrate that the lift-to-drag ratio characteristics of NACA 4424 and NACA 4415 are better than those of NACA 64A210 and NACA 2412, but there is a certain difference between the simulation results and theoretical results, which may be related to the accumulated errors in the simulation and data processing processes. This study helps to enhance the understanding of the impact of different airfoil parameters on their aerodynamic performance, providing a reference for the optimization design of airfoils.

Experimental Study and Analysis of Aerodynamic Characteristics of Gliders with Different Wing Geometries

At present, airplanes are widely used in people's daily lives, and research on this means of transportation is of great importance. Currently, academic research still lacks the influence of different aircraft wing shapes and areas on aircraft flight conditions. This article analyzes the basic principles of glider flight and explores the aerodynamic principles of gliders through paper plane simulation. Firstly, this paper introduces the development history of gliders. Secondly, the mechanical analysis of the aircraft is carried out. The factors that affect the flight performance of the aircraft are analyzed by paper airplane simulation experiments. The experimental results are analyzed, and the future development direction is forecasted. From the final research results, there is a close relationship between the aspect ratio and the glide angle of the plane. In the experiment, lower induced drag allows the aircraft to move further horizontally while descending resulting in a smaller glide angle. This study reveals the relationship between aspect ratio and glide angle, which provides intellectual support for the development of the aircraft manufacturing industry.

Study on the Impact of Tail Wing Profiles on the Resistance Characteristics of Amphibious Vehicles

The resistance performance of amphibious vehicles can be improved by installing underwater tail hydrofoils. The research on the impact of different hydrofoil profiles on the resistance characteristics of amphibious vehicles can provide a reference for the vehicle’s design. For an amphibious vehicle model, five shapes of symmetrical hydrofoils, NACA0012, NACA0015, NACA0016, and asymmetric hydrofoils NACA23012, NACA66-209, were selected as the underwater tail wing of the vehicle body, respectively. Based on the RANS method and overset grid technology, the resistance performance of the vehicle body was numerically calculated, and the resistance variation in the amphibious vehicle equipped with different tail hydrofoils at 0.43 &lt; Fr∇ &lt; 1.3 speed was obtained. The basic shape of amphibious vehicle tail wings can be determined by comparing the effects of symmetrical hydrofoils and asymmetric hydrofoils on body resistance. The results show that the asymmetric hydrofoils have a better resistance reduction effect on amphibious vehicles than the symmetrical ones. Among them, an amphibious vehicle installing the asymmetric hydrofoil NACA66-209 as an underwater tail wing can reduce resistance by 44.3%. Chord length is an important factor affecting the resistance reduction performance of tail wings. When Fr∇ = 1.3, the asymmetric hydrofoil optimized based on chord length has a 21.2% higher resistance reduction effect on amphibious vehicles.

Geographical variation in the forewing shape of the red dwarf honeybees revealed by landmark-based geometric morphometrics

Accurate intraspecific variation assessment is the prerequisite for determining subspecies, evolutionarily significant units, or management units across a species' range. However, intraspecific variation assessment is often hindered by inaccurate morphological results from traditional methods or high-cost genetic analyses. Geometric morphometrics is a promising technique for quantifying and visualising intraspecific diversity. We used landmark-based geometric morphometrics to investigate forewing shape variation and microtaxonomy of populations of Apis florea Fabricius 1787 (Apidae: Apini), which originated from some parts of Asia and Africa based on the 19 landmarks plotted at the venation intersections of forewings. We collected samples of 162 colonies from 36 different localities. On average, 13 workers per colony were analysed (1851 bees in total). Distinct spatial structures and significant differences in wing shape between the studied populations were revealed using canonical variate analysis, and no considerable overlap was detected between the colonies belonging to the western and eastern populations. The populations at higher latitudes showed significantly larger centroid sizes than those at lower latitudes, and a clinal variation in forewing size was confirmed. Significant distance-decay relationships between the studied populations were observed so that the populations located at the maximum geographical distance showed the most significant distance from each other and vice versa. Wing geometric morphometrics was an accurate tool for the reliable estimation of the population structure of the red dwarf honeybees. It is essential to increase the reliability of these variations by combining the results with further molecular data.

Bigger is not necessarily better: empirical tests show that dispersal proxies misrepresent actual dispersal ability.

Tests for the role of species' relative dispersal abilities in ecological and biogeographical models rely heavily on dispersal proxies, which are seldom substantiated by empirical measures of actual dispersal. This is exemplified by tests of dispersal-range size relationships and by metacommunity research that often features invertebrates, particularly freshwater insects. Using rare and unique empirical data on dispersal abilities of caddisflies, we tested whether actual dispersal abilities were associated with commonly used dispersal proxies (metrics of wing size and shape; expert opinion). Across 59 species in 12 families, wing morphology was not associated with actual dispersal. Within some families, individual wing metrics captured some dispersal differences among species, although useful metrics varied among families and predictive power was typically low. Dispersal abilities assigned by experts were either no better than random or actually poorer than random. Our results cast considerable doubt on research underpinned by dispersal proxies and scrutiny of previous research results may be warranted. Greater progress may lie in employing innovative survey and experimental design to measure actual dispersal in the field.

Study on the Aerodynamic Characteristics of Ornithopter with Different Wing Shapes and Wing Materials

Study on the Aerodynamic Characteristics of Ornithopter with Different Wing Shapes and Wing Materials

Influence of insular conditions on wing phenotypic variation in two dominant mosquito vectors, Aedes albopictus and Armigeres subalbatus (Diptera: Culicidae), in the border archipelagos of Thailand.

Insects geographically separated into island and mainland populations often exhibit phenotypic variations, a phenomenon known as insular conditions. These conditions can lead to rapid evolutionary changes that affect the morphological characteristics of mosquito vectors. Nevertheless, studies that specifically examine phenotype differences between island and mainland mosquito populations have been limited. In this study, wing variation in size and shape was investigated using the geometric morphometric (GM) technique in two dominant mosquito vectors, Aedes albopictus and Armigeres subalbatus, in the Ranong and Trat archipelagos of Thailand. Significant differences in average wing centroid size (CS) were found in 6 out of 15 population pairs for Ae. albopictus (p < 0.05) and in 5 population pairs for Ar. subalbatus (p < 0.05). After removing the allometric effect, canonical variate analyses (CVA) based on wing shape analysis revealed overlap across all populations for both Ae. albopictus and Ar. subalbatus. However, the statistical analysis indicated that Ar. subalbatus exhibited wing shape differences across all populations (p < 0.05), and most Ae. albopictus populations also displayed distinct wing shapes (p < 0.05), except for the populations from Chang Island and the mainland of Ranong, which showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). These findings enhance our understanding of mosquito adaptability in island regions and provide valuable data for the surveillance and monitoring of vector evolution.

Hybrid speciation driven by multilocus introgression of ecological traits

Hybridization allows adaptations to be shared among lineages and may trigger the evolution of new species1,2. However, convincing examples of homoploid hybrid speciation remain rare because it is challenging to demonstrate that hybridization was crucial in generating reproductive isolation3. Here we combine population genomic analysis with quantitative trait locus mapping of species-specific traits to examine a case of hybrid speciation in Heliconius butterflies. We show that Heliconius elevatus is a hybrid species that is sympatric with both parents and has persisted as an independently evolving lineage for at least 180,000 years. This is despite pervasive and ongoing gene flow with one parent, Heliconius pardalinus, which homogenizes 99% of their genomes. The remaining 1% introgressed from the other parent, Heliconius melpomene, and is scattered widely across the H. elevatus genome in islands of divergence from H. pardalinus. These islands contain multiple traits that are under disruptive selection, including colour pattern, wing shape, host plant preference, sex pheromones and mate choice. Collectively, these traits place H. elevatus on its own adaptive peak and permit coexistence with both parents. Our results show that speciation was driven by introgression of ecological traits, and that speciation with gene flow is possible with a multilocus genetic architecture.

Effects of Simulated Surface Roughness on Flow Characteristics in Symmetrical Airfoil

Managing wing roughness to reduce drag and support by contributing towards the stabilization. This work is inspired by the phenomenon of sand paper to investigate the concept of roughness control on an aircraft wing. Similar to the quality of the sand paper based on the grate of the sand paper, the concept of providing rough detail on wings can reduce skin drag and increase aerodynamic efficiency. Using an integrated plane design optimization, we use wind tunnel measurements to investigate the effects of boundary fabric, response behavior and overall attenuations. The study investigated how roughness control interacts with other design elements such as wing shape and material selection to achieve the best aerodynamic performance. This research is helping develop next-generation aircraft that use roughness-inspired designs to achieve significant fuel savings and environmental benefits through effective coordination. Keywords – CFD, Surface Roughness , Aerodynamic Efficiency.

Cockroach Clypeblattula panda gen. et sp. n. (Blattaria: Blattulidae) from the Lower Cretaceous Laiyang Formation of China

Cockroach Clypeblattula panda gen. et sp. n. is described from the Lower Cretaceous Laiyang Formation of Shandong Province, China based on a specimen with forewing and pronotum well-preserved. It is characterized by ovoid pronotum with two trapezoid dark stripes, forewing with intercalary space in R with colouration, A with six simple veins, and sparse cross-veins. It is closely related to the Early Cretaceous Pravdupovediac according to colouration of intercalary space in R, but they can be distinguished mainly based on the different wing shapes and the existence of dark macula. The differences between Clypeblattula gen. n., Ocelloblattula, Pseudomantina, Habroblattula and Laiyangia are also briefly discussed. The new genus is another indigenous cockroach of Blattulidae.

Wave blocking performance of the symmetrical double-wing floating breakwater

In this paper, a double-wing floating breakwater (DWFB) is proposed, that is, the wing with a curved upper surface and flat lower surface is installed on both sides of the box-type floating breakwater (FB). The analytical model of the DWFB under wave action is established to solve the wave diffraction problem. The modified mild slope equation (MMSE) is used to deal with the unsteady water depth problem above the wing, and the reflection coefficient, transmission coefficient, and the wave excitation force in the surge, heave, and pitch are obtained. After the analytical model is verified, the effect of the wing shape and wing size (height and length) on the wave blocking performance of the DWFB is analyzed, and then the single-wing FB and DWFB are compared. The results show that the increase in wing length is obvious to reduce the transmission coefficient. The single-wing floating breakwater (SWFB) with a longer wing length but similar cross-sectional area to the DWFB has a smaller transmission coefficient when the wave number is between 0.45 and 0.85. However, as the wave number continues to increase, the wave blocking performance of the DWFB is relatively better.

The origin of the characteristic shape and scatter of intergalactic damping wings during reionization

Abstract Lyα damping wings in the spectra of bright objects at high redshift are a useful probe of the ionization state of the intergalactic medium during the reionization epoch. It has recently been noted that, despite the inhomogeneous nature of reionization, these damping wings have a characteristic shape which is a strong function of the volume-weighted average neutral hydrogen fraction of the intergalactic medium. We present here a closer examination of this finding using a simulation of patchy reionization from the Sherwood-Relics simulation suite. We show that the characteristic shape and scatter of the damping wings are determined by the average neutral hydrogen density along the line of sight, weighted by its contribution to the optical depth producing the damping wing. We find that there is a redshift dependence in the characteristic shape due to the expansion of the Universe. Finally, we show that it is possible to differentiate between the shapes of damping wings in galaxies and young (or faint) quasars at different points in the reionization history at large velocity offsets from the point where the transmission first reaches zero.